Paramedic-reported barriers towards use of CPR feedback devices in Perth, Western Australia


Feedback devices for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) have been introduced across a number of emergency medical services (EMS) worldwide with the intention of increasing the provision of high quality CPR. In July 2014, St. John Ambulance Western Australia (SJA-WA) introduced the Q-CPRTM device into mandatory clinical practice; however usage rates were lower than expected.Methods:A voluntary, anonymous survey was issued to a convenience sample of SJA-WA paramedics from September to December 2015 to determine the paramedic-reported barriers towards the use of Q-CPResults:Of the 264 paramedics who participated in the survey, 41% reported having used Q-CPR during their last attempted resuscitation. Among those who had not used it, the reason most commonly cited (37%) was that a mechanical chest compression device arrived on scene prior to the Q-CPR being deployed. Secondly, other interventions were prioritized above the use of Q-CPR (20%). Thirdly, pain associated with use of the Q-CPR prevented its utilization in 17% of cases. Other reasons were less frequently reported.Conclusion:Lower usage rates appeared to be primarily linked to the utilisation of other equipment and interventions in preference to the Q-CPR and to a lesser extent due to pain associated with the use of such devices.

Subscribe to get full access to the Journal of Paramedic Practice

Thank you for vising the Journal of Paramedic Practice and reading our archive of expert clinical content. If you would like to read more from the only journal dedicated to those working in emergency care, you can start your subscription today for just £48.

CPD Focus

Reading the Journal of Paramedic Practice counts towards your professional development

Develop your career

We provide professional information dedicated to paramedics covering training, education and jobs

Stay informed

Get the latest clinical information to ensure you are aware of the latest think and best practice in paramedicne

Subscribe now

Already registered? - Sign in here

Keep up to date with Journal of Paramedic Practice!

Sign up to Journal of Paramedic Practice’s regular newsletters and keep up-to-date with the very latest clinical research and CPD we publish each month.